Changing Places

For the first time this season, when the announcer at the Bernabéu calls out the Real Madrid line-up over the p.a system, he will pronounce the words "Wearing number 21, Morata" and a roar of happiness will fill the stadium from the fans who have been waiting to see him as a starter.

But this doesn't mean that ten matches down the line, Benzema is out of the picture altogether. The Frenchman didn't train with the rest of his teammates due to injury. Karim will have to undergo medical checks but Ancelotti will no doubt reserve him for bigger things such as the match against Juventus and the trip to the Camp Nou.

Although the real reason behind the swap is to allow Benzema to rest, nobody can deny that Morata deserves this opportunity. His willingness and dedication have had a profound effect on the terraces at the Bernabéu.

More importantly, he is on a roll. His goal against Levante gave him wings and this continued with the Under 21 squad where he scored two more goals. He is definitely the player to watch in Lopetegui's team and he is determined it won't be any different in Ancelotti's.

For Morata, 2013 will be an unforgettable year. As well as joining Real Madrid's first-team and being included in the starting XI, Álvaro has revealed himself to be an amazing striker both for Castilla and the Under-21s whom he guided to the European Championship in Israel.